Vintage Lawn Games

These lighthearted, postwar suburban pursuits usually sell for $10 to $100 on auction sites like eBay (which is where we found all the vintage games here). "People are sentimental about what they played with as kids," says Joyce Grant of TimeWarpToys.com which sells vintage toys. "And since these older sets were made so well, they last."

Mini-Golf

Mini-Golf

This 1950s putt-putt set by Remco includes nine playful, painted wood obstacles--from the clown, lighthouse, and dachshund shown here to a pink elephant and storybook castle. Expect to pay up to $175 for a game in mint condition.

Horseshoes

Horseshoes

While themed versions — with bases featuring images of Superman or the Lone Ranger — often command upwards of $150, this sweet and simple 1950s plastic pitching paraphernalia gets game day started for just $20.